As a public school music teacher, I am disappointed with the negative, misleading article about musical instrument rentals. The message was that people must beware of the scams that lurk at the music store and that kids won’t stay with it anyway, so why bother?

Has the author never attended a festival of 300 excited string players, who have been afforded the opportunity for free lessons in the school? A $25 monthly rental fee is a bargain any way you look at it.

Regarding the opening sentence about unnecessary equipment, most of the items mentioned are necessary to get set up. It’s hard to read music without a music stand; a shoulder rest is necessary for proper neck and shoulder position; and instructional books are needed to learn the notes. I suppose you could just give your kids skis and boots when skiing, but how about gloves and goggles to protect their eyes? Necessary equipment!